BANNING the humble 60-watt light bulb to make way for so-called energy-saving ones and “help save the planet” was last night exposed as an elaborate EU con.

Tests show ­production and disposal of the new bulbs uses up more energy than ­traditional lights. []

Tests show ­production and disposal of the new bulbs uses up more energy than ­traditional lights.

Energy-saving bulbs, known as compact fluorescent lamps, also pose health risks for an estimated two million people in Britain.

Professor John Hawk, president of the European Society for Photodermatology, said: “They emit small amounts of ultraviolet radiation that is significant for people with photosensitivity skin disorders.

“Some emit enough radiation for people who are constantly close up to them to have a significant increase in ultraviolet exposure over the years, which may well make skin cancer more likely.

“Incandescent bulbs should remain on sale while expert scientific committees are still reviewing all aspects of the matter in detail.”

Ultraviolet rays can also lead to severe migraines or aggravate other existing medical conditions.

Ultraviolet rays can also lead to severe migraines or aggravate other existing medical conditions.

Lighting expert Lucy Martin told the Daily Express, which is crusading for a referendum to pull Britain out of the EU: “The carbon footprint of manufacturing, distribution and disposal of a compact fluorescent bulb is far greater than the energy usage of a standard bulb.

“There is a health issue in disposing of them but also for people who work under them. The EU is ­treating us like children.”

The EU’s outlawing of the 60-watt bulb follows similar bans on the 100‑watt and 75-watt varieties but people will still be able to buy the traditional bulbs until stocks in shops run out. The 40-watt bulb will go the way of the others next year.

Energy-saving bulbs can cost as much as £4 compared with around 60p for a standard 60-watt light.

Ukip deputy leader Paul Nuttall said: “They are full of mercury, so are hazardous if they break, especially to children. Once again we are being bullied by the EU into introducing nonsensical and dangerous legislation to fight against so-called manmade global warming, which is based on pretty dodgy science.”

EU spokesman David D’Arcy said the new bulbs had the potential to reduce CO² emissions equal to taking seven million cars off the road.Homes would save £40 a year.

And a Government spokesman said old-style bulbs wasted 95 per cent of energy as heat.